According to many other websites and books the name does have an Aramaic (Ancient Hebrew) origination meaning "angel of God" - which can be masculine or feminine with various spellings. In ancient days the strength of a lion was associated with angels or angelic beings.

-- Anonymous User 7/8/2005

Ariel is a name of Hebrew origin from the Old Testament. It is a name with many meanings which include an Angel, a Lion(ess) of God and is an alternate name for the city of Jerusalem. Ariel is indeed one of the Archangels (like Michael and Gabriel). Ariel is know as the Angel of Healing and the Angel of New Beginnings. The name Ariel originally referred to a spirit, that was neither male or female, that is why it has been used as a unisex name. However, it is now much, much more common for women than for men.